Japan's Takaichi poised to become first female Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi is set to become Japan's first female prime minister after her Liberal Democratic Party formed a coalition with the opposition Japan Innovation Party. The deal, signed Monday, provides Takaichi with the necessary parliamentary support ahead of Tuesday's vote. This historic development follows the LDP's loss of its long-time coalition partner earlier this month.
Japan's political landscape shifted dramatically as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the opposition Japan Innovation Party (JIP) formalized a coalition agreement on Monday, virtually ensuring Sanae Takaichi's election as the nation's first female prime minister. The parliamentary vote scheduled for Tuesday is now expected to mark a historic milestone for Japan, which has never had a woman lead its government since World War II.
Securing a Parliamentary Majority
The new coalition was deemed necessary after the LDP's traditional ally, the Komeito party, ended their 26-year partnership earlier this month. Takaichi, a staunch conservative who was recently elected as the LDP's first female president, initially commanded 196 votes in the 465-seat lower house. The JIP's 35 lawmakers now bring her coalition's total to 231, just two votes short of the 233 needed for an outright victory, making her success in a potential second round almost certain.
A New Government with Outside Support
If elected, Takaichi will lead a minority government that relies on the JIP's external support for her cabinet. This arrangement comes with conditions; the JIP has presented a list of 12 policy demands, including a significant 10% reduction in the number of parliamentary seats. Takaichi described the new alliance as a "big step" for Japan's political stability, according to Kyodo News.
The Road Ahead for Japan
The LDP has governed Japan for nearly all of the past 75 years. With this new coalition, the next general election is constitutionally required by October 2027, unless the government decides to call a snap poll before then. This political realignment sets the stage for a potentially transformative period under Takaichi's leadership.
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